Flooring is one of those key features, forming the bones of any well-designed home. A good floor will provide comfort underfoot, long-lasting durability, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal to your space.
The variety of on-trend colour and texture options are also a big calling card for laminate flooring.
Laminate wood floors are becoming ever popular, and it’s no wonder, as they tend to tick all the desirable boxes.
This is according to Jasmin Kraneveldt from Bathroom Bizarre, who says due to the high customer demand, they have just launched an exquisite range of laminate flooring called Alpine Forest Laminate Flooring.
“We spent a long time researching the market to find a range that reflected the same focus on quality, good looks and value for money that Bathroom Bizarre has become synonymous with. After intensive research, we finally found a range that met all our needs and it will be available countrywide from all Bathroom Bizarre outlets nationwide, as well as a variety of other retail outlets across the country.”
Kraneveldt gives the following overview on the benefits of laminate flooring:
1. Value for money
Laminate flooring offers real value for money, often being more affordable than hardwood flooring and wall-to-wall carpeting. You will also save money in the long run, as it doesn’t require specialised cleaning, and its durable nature makes it resistant to stains, scratches and fading, so it boasts incredible longevity.
2. A choice of colours and textures
Although it is always easiest to contract a professional in to install your laminate floors for you, it is also a great DIY project that any DIY-enthusiast can manage to do on their own.
The variety of on-trend colour and texture options are also a big calling card for laminate flooring. It is available in a variety of different colours, from replicas of exotic hardwood floorboards, to a more contemporary whitewashed finish, lighter wood tones, and even a rustic-inspired distressed grey wood lookalike.
The Alpine Forest Laminate Flooring range is divided into two ranges. The first is the more affordable 8.3mm range, which comes in 4 different wood finishes – Savio, Chandra, Prespa and Torrente. The second range offers a slightly better quality, as its boards are slightly thicker, measuring in at 12mm. It is also available in four different wood finishes, which include Makalu, Everest, Mount Tyree and Laila Peak.
3. Supreme durability
“The joy of laminate floors is that they are made from high density fibre boards, which is an incredibly durable material that will provide years of good looks and underfoot comfort,” says Kraneveldt, who recommends it for high traffic living areas throughout the home. It does not contract or expand like real hardwood does and if moisture does get in, or permanent damage is caused to the surface or core-board, laminate flooring is easily replaced in sections. As such, you won’t have to replace the entire floor, just the section that is damaged.
4. Quick and easy to install
Installing laminate flooring is a piece of cake. Although it is always easiest to contract a professional in to install your laminate floors for you, it is also a great DIY project that any DIY-enthusiast can manage to do on their own. “There’s no need for any special glues because laminate flooring is quite literally a snap, with the tongue and groove click system, you just snap the boards together. It also doesn’t matter what your subfloor is, as long as it is level, because laminate floors do not need to be glued or nailed down. It simply floats, meaning it can be laid on top of wood, plywood, concrete or even existing vinyl flooring. Most laminate floors can also be laid over radiant heated concrete slabs,” says Kraneveldt.
5. Hygienic and great for allergy sufferers
If you have kids that tend to play around on the floor, then you’ll know the importance of not using cleaning products with harsh chemicals. That’s where laminate floors are really great.
Laminate flooring benefits people with allergies, because it’s quick to clean and it boasts a non-porous surface. As such, it doesn’t absorb dust or spills like carpeting does.
It is also a sanitary product due to its airtight locking system and plastic exterior, creating a shield against moisture that wants to get in. It is ideal for pet owners, as any unwanted hair or mess can be quickly and easily wiped away.
6. Easy maintenance and cleaning
Keeping your laminate wood floor clean couldn’t be easier – there’s no need for varnish, wax, polish or special cleaning chemicals. First, use an anti-bacterial microfiber mop for an initial dry clean to pick up all the fine dust particles and pet hair. Then vacuum or sweep up the remaining heavier dirt particles such as food. Just be sure to use a rubber broom as traditional bristle brooms can scratch the floor, and remember to work in the direction of the floor grain.
“If you have kids that tend to play around on the floor, then you’ll know the importance of not using cleaning products with harsh chemicals. That’s where laminate floors are really great,” says Kraneveldt, who simply uses a spray bottle filled with a vinegar and water solution to clean her laminate floors.
For stubborn marks, she says it is advisable to use a non-abrasive product specifically designed for laminate wood floors.
The Alpine Forest Laminate Flooring range is priced from R125 to R195 per square metre, and it is available from Bathroom Bizarre stores nationwide.
SOURCE: www.property24.com
